MACNY’s Talent Development Awards Celebrate Region’s Next Generation of Skilled Workers and Industry Partners

Date: June 17, 2026

MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, Manufacturers Talent Institute (MTI), and Partners for Education & Business, Inc. (PEB) welcomed talent development leaders, educators, students, employers, and community partners to the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (the MOST) for the 2026 Talent Development Awards, presented by United Radio. The annual event celebrated the individuals and organizations helping to build a stronger workforce through career exploration, pre-apprenticeship, Registered Apprenticeship, and STEM education initiatives across Central New York.

“Today’s honorees represent the power of collaboration in action,” said Michael Frame, Executive Vice President of MACNY and Executive Director of Manufacturers Talent Institute (MTI). “Whether they are employers opening doors through apprenticeship, educators inspiring students, or community partners creating new pathways to success, each of these individuals and organizations is making a meaningful impact on our workforce and helping more people access rewarding careers.”

The event featured keynote remarks from Eric Peckham, Director Global Manufacturing Engineering at Belden, who highlighted the importance of industry leadership in developing strong and sustainable talent pipelines.

Celebrating the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

A highlight of the event was the recognition of eight recipients of the 2026 CNY STEM Scholarship. Developed in partnership with PEB and the CNY STEM Hub, the scholarship program supports local high school seniors pursuing STEM-related education and careers.

Now in its 14th year, the CNY STEM Scholarship Program has awarded more than $1.1 million to Central New York students.

Honoring Outstanding Partnerships and Community Impact

PEB also recognized outstanding partners and educators whose contributions have expanded career readiness and workforce development opportunities across Central New York, including:

  • Business Partnership of the Year Awards: Haun Welding Supply and Specialty Gases and National Grid
  • Community Partnership of the Year Award: United Way of Central New York
  • SRC CNY STEM Champion Award: Budmen Industries
  • Robert A. Leslie Award for Trailblazing Educators – Amanda Iannicello, School Counselor and CTE Work-Based Learning Coordinator at Liverpool High School

Career Spark Award Recipients Recognized

Eight industry professionals were honored with Career Spark Awards for their dedication to mentoring and guiding students through career coaching and talent development initiatives:

  • Alison Mapes, Hidden Level; Amy Grover, Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists; Eli Feathers, Upstate University Hospital; Hillary Warner, New York State Court System, 5th Judicial District; Mike Fabery, United Radio; Nate Discavage, Indium Corporation; Sherria Sparks, Upstate University Hospital; and Gabriel Osei, Eaton Corporation

Recognizing Pre-Apprenticeship Success

The event also celebrated participants and employers supporting MACNY’s direct-entry pre-apprenticeship programs with the following:

  • The Riveter Award: Elisa Bond and Leslie Bond, graduates of the Real Life Rosies® program.
  • Advance 2 Apprenticeship® Pathfinder Award: Andrew Barr, Advance 2 Apprenticeship program graduate
  • Pre-Apprenticeship Trailblazer Awards: Indium Corporation and Worthington Steel.

Celebrating Registered Apprenticeship Achievement

A focus of the event was recognizing the accomplishments of the 2025 – 2026 Registered Apprenticeship Program graduates. 35 Registered Apprentices from employers across New York State were celebrated for earning their Journeyworker certification.

The event also recognized companies that launched new Registered Apprenticeship Programs and expanded their apprenticeship offerings in 2025 and 2026, demonstrating continued investment in workforce development and employee advancement.

Jason Poole Apprenticeship Impact Award

Sean Carter, Training and Development Coordinator at Bausch + Lomb, received the Jason Poole Apprenticeship Impact Award for his exceptional dedication to apprenticeship, workforce development, and mentoring future talent. Carter completed his own apprenticeship before taking on a leadership role managing and advancing apprenticeship programs at Bausch + Lomb.

Inaugural Manufacturing Talent Pipeline Award Presented to Belden

The event concluded with the presentation of the inaugural Manufacturing Talent Pipeline Award to Belden. The award recognizes an organization that demonstrates excellence across the entire talent development continuum — from career exploration and pre-apprenticeship to Registered Apprenticeship and workforce advancement.

“What we celebrate today goes far beyond awards,” said Randy Wolken, President & CEO of MACNY and MTI Board Chairman. “We are celebrating a shared commitment to developing talent, creating opportunity, and investing in people. The individuals and organizations recognized here are helping build the workforce of tomorrow and strengthening the future of our communities, businesses, and region.”